Part of ChathamCountyGA.gov
Command Staff
Chatham County Fire Department Command
James Vickers
Fire Chief
Chatham County Fire Chief James Vickers has more than 30 years of dedicated experience in Public Safety. He is a seasoned leader in emergency medical response, fire suppression, prevention and community risk reduction, training, emergency management, marine and industrial response, and special operations.
His unwavering commitment to excellence and extensive experience in organizational management make him a respected figure in the field, driving positive change and ensuring the highest standards of service delivery.
Chief Vickers's leadership philosophy emphasizes transparency, empowerment, and strategic planning, reflecting his deep-seated belief in the importance of building strong relationships and fostering professional growth within the organization.
He holds a Master Degree in Public Administration and Emergency Services Management and a Master Degree in Leadership and Organizational Management. Chief Vickers is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and received his designation as a Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
He also maintains numerous state and international level certifications, is a Georgia Certified Emergency Manager and a licensed Paramedic.
Lydia McCrary serves as Deputy Chief of Medical Services for Chatham County Fire Department. She began her career in fire and emergency medical services in Savannah in 2006 and previously served as Deputy Chief of EMS.
She supervises the County's Community Paramedic–Behavioral Health Unit and serves on local and regional boards addressing emergency preparedness, access to care, homelessness, resiliency, and mental health. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in health science.
She is married to a firefighter/paramedic and has two children.
Lydia McCrary
Deputy Chief
Medical Services
Michael "Mick" Mayers serves as Interim Deputy Chief of Operations for Chatham County Fire Department. His experience includes leading the department's Special Operations Program and serving as an Operations Section Chief on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Incident Management Team. He retired in 2017 as Deputy Chief of Operations with Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue and director of South Carolina's Urban Search and Rescue Program.
He holds degrees in organizational leadership and fire science technology, is a credentialed Chief Fire Officer and Emergency Manager, and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
A native of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, he has three adult daughters.
Michael Mayers
Interim Deputy Chief
Fire Services
Chris Mills serves as Deputy Chief of Support Services for Chatham County Fire Department. He began his fire service career in 2003 as a volunteer with Montgomery Fire Department and joined Southside Fire Department full time in 2004.
He has served as a firefighter, EMT, paramedic, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and district chief. He holds an associate degree in fire science from Columbia Southern University and brings more than 20 years of career and volunteer experience to his role.
He and his wife have two children.
